Drones strike major Russian oil refinery in Leningrad region, sparking fires
Photo: Russian Emergencies Ministry (Getty Images)
Drones attacked the city of Kirishi in Russia's Leningrad region overnight on November 9, where the Kirishi oil refinery (KINEF) is located. A fire broke out in the industrial zone following the attack, according to OSINT channels.
Ahead of the attack, residents of the Leningrad region reported a series of explosions and Russian air defense activity. Air raid sirens sounded across the region, and residents warned of approaching drones.
According to eyewitness accounts, explosions were heard in the Kirishi area. Air defense systems attempted to intercept the aerial targets.
However, the drones struck the oil refinery, triggering a fire. Eyewitnesses reported flames breaking out in several locations.
Leningrad region Governor Alexander Drozdenko confirmed that drones had struck the industrial zone in Kirishi. According to him, 81 UAVs were shot down over the region, and air defense operations were still underway.
"There have been confirmed drone strikes in the industrial zone of the city of Kirishi. Debris also hit an apartment in Kirishi, and a family was evacuated from the apartment," Drozdenko said.
Emergency services are working at the scene. Information about the damage caused by the strikes and possible casualties is still being clarified.
Previous attacks
The Kirishi oil refinery has been targeted several times before. In early October, the Kirishi oil refinery (KINEF) shut down its largest processing unit following a drone attack.
On October 4, Ukraine's Special Operations Forces, together with the Black Spark resistance movement, struck the Russian Kirishi oil refinery.
The refinery was also attacked overnight on March 8. At the time, debris from a downed drone damaged the external structure of one of the storage tanks.
